2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumA message that is powerful, ethical, positive, and exciting.
In real life, most of my friends are Bernie supporters.
They rarely bother with Clinton's negatives, they seem to feel little need to attack her, because they believe Sanders message is powerful, ethical, positive, and exciting.
What excites people is that they found a candidate they believe in. Sanders message stands on it's own. I see enthusiasm, not hatred. There is no need to tear down the opposing candidate, when yours has a vision you believe in. Maybe my friends are an anomaly, but that's my experience.
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)I've spent a great deal of time with hundreds of Sanders supporters in varying situations. I even had four Sanders supporters, from CA/WA, stay for a week with our family, while they volunteered in Iowa. We spent a great deal of time discussing politics until the wee hours of the morning. We rarely discussed HRC. Of course, she came up in discussion, but the bulk of the conversation was positive and enthusiastic and focused on Bernie.
Not the same on the Internet! The Internet is a form of entertainment. When opposing political viewpoints come together on messageboards, debate ensues. It is what it is. I think many, including myself, enjoy the banter, the fight and the dialog. It's not always constructive. Some sites have a different vibe than others. DU is about as sane as it gets though. Most sites do not have jury systems and caps on what you cannot and can say.
It's just all a part of the 2016 election.
your experience closely resembles mine.
Octafish
(55,745 posts)Fighting the Good Fight -- for Democracy.
Thank you for standing up for Bernie Sanders! He not only remembers the poor, he not only remembers the working class, he not only remembers the middle class; Bernie Sanders WORKS for them in Congress. He has dedicated his adult life to making sure ALL are equal under the law and all have equal and civil rights, including health care, education and democratic representation -- from the City of Burlington to the State of Vermont as the at-large Delegate to the US House of Representatives to the US Senate. What's more, going by the past 52 years, it is clear as day that Bernie Sanders will continue that Good Work from the Oval Office.
his record speaks for itself. His life has been devoted to fighting for the people. Anyone who cares to look can see that clearly. He's for real. He has so many positives that people don't need to attack his opponents negatives to elevate him.
PeaceNikki
(27,985 posts)and don't berate the others. I think that the worst offenders don't get out much and/or don't have many real life friends and likely aren't involved with the party locally.
kerry-is-my-prez
(8,133 posts)We do polling, figure out who the Dem supporters are, make sure they are all set to vote (registered to vote, have ID, have a ride on Election Day), know the correct place to vote, call them to make sure they have voted and if not, DRIVE them there to vote. In the end, we have a good idea of what our turnout is AND we have gotten every Dem out there to vote.
PeaceNikki
(27,985 posts)I said that I think the worst offenders here on DU. I don't recall saying "kerry-is-my-prez". And I certainly didn't say every BS supporter. And I meant of BOTH sides. Why you took that so personally is just weird.
Good for you! More people here should be that involved! Rock on.
gwheezie
(3,580 posts)Both Bernie and Hillary supporters granted more Hillary but we all want to defeat the GOP and believe we're going up against trump or Cruz and it's going to be brutal no matter who we nominate.
mountain grammy
(26,573 posts)That's because great minds think alike. Also, they have seen the failure of the American political establishment to care about citizens. They, like me, are tired of our failed foreign policy that has destroyed lives and property for corporate greed. There must come a day when we realize our policies aren't working and we can't control the world.
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)I have some friends who support Sanders and some who support Hillary and some who are undecided. They all have a great sense of decency and humor.
It's an interesting phenomena, why some of the more fanatical online supporters act so mean online. It's a form of insecurity I think. I also think maybe they don't get out too much or interact much in day to day life. I try and leave every interaction on a positive note. I've learned that especially from volunteering at a horse shelter. They've taught me that it makes them more comfortable and makes me feel much better too.
Overseas
(12,121 posts)2banon
(7,321 posts)It's only when I come here when I see the opposition's vile put downs, insults, bullying.
Head scratcher, why and how they think that's a working method to invite unity.
vintx
(1,748 posts)I'm a feminist so I get a lot of hate for not supporting Hillary.
My first time meeting a hateful Sanders supporter was yesterday at the county convention.
Octafish
(55,745 posts)Rec for Democracy.
marions ghost
(19,841 posts)without reservation. Sanders is exactly the right candidate for the course change that is so necessary now.
All the slings and arrows can't touch a politician with very little to feel guilty about and a consistent track record that speaks for itself. They just bounce off.
Sanders has an opportunity now because he is in touch with the pulse of much of the nation. People are tired of putting up. We want a fresh start. We can find the hope and energy to
build something better, move beyond this fearful downtrodden state. Sanders represents that possibility. He gives us a voice.
My friends for Hillary--tend to be pessimists who can't see a way out and are under some simplistic delusion that the Bill/Hillary days were good and can return again. I overlook that in friends, because they have other good qualities, but I know where my heart is. It's with those who are looking forward, not backward.